Sadly, the Eight that had looked so promising at the Avon County Head at Saltford in the Lent Term was unable to find the focus and commitment, even with the unexpected and expert coaching of the legendary Godfrey Bishop, to work together or to learn from such an experienced voice. And from that depressing, unnecessary débâcle emerged a thoroughly gutsy, very well motivated hard-working four, who showed real character and tenacity and, as they well know, realised some potential!
The absolute frustration of the cancellation firstly of the regatta at Coate Water Park, because to rain and cold, and of the National Schools Regatta, because of wind, when all the adrenalin was so high, and determination and preparation had reached some sort of peak, was really hard to swallow; but then, an invitation by Cheltenham to meet them for some 'unfriendly endeavour' lifted everyone's spirits.
For Jamie Humphreys, our Cox, it gave him the chance to steer and control a really powerful, competitive racing Eight in three close races. For the oarsmen, particularly Matt Flew, our stroke, it gave the chance to row, to stroke and to drive a willing, well-trained crew, composed of mixed Cheltenham and Monkton boys in some real competition, providing some of the racing experience so sadly lacking in the rest of the season. That two members of the crew actually won desirable prizes was particularly brilliant - a great afternoon for which many thanks to Cheltenham Boat Club!
How I wish that our particular stretch of river, and boathouse arrangements, lent themselves to similar activities!
Tewkesbury also provided the venue for a final racing sortie of the year, and, although races were not won, the crew's tenacity, increasing focus and growing courage were notable and terrifically encouraging.
It was rewarding to see something good eventually coming out of such an initially wasteful and frustrating seasoni. Matt Flew particularly, is a stroke of great promse, with a precocious and utterly reliable demeanour and willingness to work, coupled with an ability to set just the right rating from 20 to 35 with total competence. A future first crew stroke, certainly noticed by GPR! Well done!
Toby Page, described at one point in the season by GWB as 'demonic' in the gutsiness of his effort, as he has begun to control the sheer physicality of his drive, is developing one of the best, most stylish strokes in the crew. Very well done!
Nick Wood decided to plough his own furrow and to really commit himself to the group effort. He surprised even himself by the strides that he made as a result, and will surely prove to be a senior crew member, perhaps in the number two or four seat? Well done!
Alex Gardiner, starting the season with little experience but much goodwill, was thwarted by his snowboarding accident. When eventually he was able to row, he made up for lost time with a terrific can-do attitude, and what he may have lacked in finesse, he really made up for in sheer animal muscular power! Very promising, well done!
Jamie Humphreys has been totally loyal, putting up with awkwardnesses and inconvenience with never a grumpy word. His steering and focus has steadily improved throughout the year, and as knowledge and concentration sharpen up, he will become a most valued asset to the Boat Club. For his loyalty, balance and sense of humour, we owe him much!
Mention should be made of the unremitting effort and improved style of Josh Wiley, always cheerful and always doing his best, whatever the situation. Much promise there!
Kenneth Ma was also willing to fit in and work, and his sculling has improved a lot - he is a very strong individual. Jonathan Pill has shown promise throughout the season, and with effort, could achieve great things.
So - out of the singularly depressing, thoroughly frustrating situation of wasted opportunities, something good has emerged! I look forward to seeing the progress of the stalwarts to senior crews - they were great fun to work with, when we were able to get down to it!